Disorder in the ‘Frustration’ Parliaments of Thatcherite Britain

Abstract

There was a marked increase in disorder in the British House of Commons during Mrs Thatcher's tenure of office. In a legislature traditionally renowned for its ‘temper of moderation and fair play’ and its usual good behaviour, there was growing concern at the extent of disorderly behaviour. This concern prompted a Procedure Committee investigation into the conduct of MPs in the chamber and led some commentators to argue that the level of disorder constituted a threat to representative democracy in Britain. This article examines the increased scale of unruliness and the main variables used to explain this increase.